UK must remain open to skilled international talent

techUK CEO Julian David joins other industry leaders to call for a new migration system post-Brexit.

On Sunday, 18 December 2016, techUK joined Dame Julia Goodfellow in a letter to the FT calling for a reformed visa and immigration system that enables all industries, the heath service, universities and charities to draw from a global talent pool.

This follows Julian David's piece stating that a global, digital Britain will only succeed with global tech talent. The full text of the letter can be found below.

While we await further announcements on the new migration system, the Government must ensure we have a smart migration system that:

Harnesses the best of new technologies to streamline the process and create an agile operating model which works for hiring and exporting talent alike.

Is data-driven and responsive to economic needs, building trust with both the public and business. Brexit has presented us with a unique opportunity to build a system that really works for industries which have greater reliance on international, highly-skilled migration.

Addresses the work that needs to be done by the ONS on how SOC codes or alternative methods of role categorisations can be flexible to new job roles that are created in the most dynamic parts of the UK economy.

Watch this space for a techUK report on the importance of international talent for the sector, and recommendations to ensure the UK remains the most attractive place to work, start or scale a business.

Sir, In the Autumn Statement, the government made clear that it recognises the fundamental value of science, research and innovation for the UK’s economic growth, productivity and global standing. However, if the UK is to compete on an international scale and become the go-to place for scientists, innovators and tech investors, it is imperative that the government also recognises and supports the crucial role of international collaboration and access to highly skilled, overseas talent.

To build on our position as a world leader in science and innovation, investment in research and development and the continued development of local skills and capability must be a priority. This must go hand in hand, however, with policies that support international collaboration. This requires a reformed visa and immigration system that enables all industries, the health service, universities and charities to draw from a global talent pool. International researchers must be able to choose the UK without facing unnecessary barriers or bureaucracy, and the UK must provide access to competitive funding and internationally collaborative networks.

Whatever our future relationship with the EU, these key ingredients for success must not be compromised. We must continue to be open to people, skills and ideas from across Europe and the world.

Dame Julia Goodfellow

President, Universities UK

Simon Walker

Director General, Institute of Directors

Carolyn Fairbairn

Director General, Confederation of British Industry

Anthony Impey

Chair of Skills and Apprenticeships, Federation of Small Businesses

Dr Adam Marshall

Director General, British Chambers of Commerce

Sir Venki Ramakrishnan

President, The Royal Society

Dr Mark Porter

Council Chair, British Medical Association

John Kampfner

CEO, Creative Industries Federation

Sir Martin Sorrell

CEO, WPP

Julian David

CEO, techUK

Jasmine Whitbread,

CEO, London First

Russ Shaw

Founder, Tech London Advocates & Global Tech Advocates

Lord Karan Bilimoria

Chairman, UK India Business Council; Founder and Chairman, Cobra Beer

Sam Laidlaw

Chair, Neptune Oil & Gas; Chair, National Centre for Universities and Business